You Make Him Twice As Much a Son of Hell As Yourselves

Looking at many Internet posts regarding this last Halloween, it was sad to see some Christians boldly approving of Halloween practices as just another pagan holiday that has really become “Christianized”. The claim is that we can modify any pagan practices into something that is a good, God-pleasing witness to this world. It is admitted that Halloween is based on all sorts of evil beliefs. But, the claim is that we can now practice its customs to show Christ’s victory over sin and the powers of darkness.

But Isaiah 5:20 warns,

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Taking part in Halloween practices does not teach our children how to live in an honestly God-pleasing manner — no matter what some say. Much rather, it teaches them that anything goes, so long as you have fun doing it. People need to realize what is honestly God-pleasing according to God’s word. We need to teach God’s truths — not our own desires and imaginations. That is why Jesus preached in Matthew 23:15,

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel about on sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

One could also apply 3 John 1:11,

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

We need to do what is good in God’s eyes — not what is socially acceptable — politically correct — in the eyes of the world. Instead of imitating heathen customs, Christians should humbly follow Ephesians 5:1,

Be imitators of God, as beloved children.

This falls in line with 1 Peter 1:14-15,

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.

The traditions of Halloween are what “were yours in your ignorance”. They are from our pagan past and we are not to “be conformed” to them like we used to be — or like our ancestors used to be. Some will argue that being against Halloween unnecessarily divides the church and we should all be in unity — in their worldly, liberal way, of course.

We should keep foremost in mind 1 Peter 1:17-19,

…….conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of lifeinherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

With that in mind, we say, “Hallelujah! Lord Jesus, thank You for freeing us from our slavery to sin.”